Great Barrier Reef Places

Hamilton Island

Scuba Diving

H2O Sportz Dive & Snorkel Shop. Hamilton Island has a free daily pool-based snorkeling lesson and scuba trial (prebooking is essential). If you sign up for an introductory dive course with H2O Sportz, the island's dive shop, you'll get instruction, equipment, and two guided dives, gear included. If you have three or four days, you can take a PADI Open Water or Advanced Diver course (run weekly). Already qualified? Rent scuba equipment and take a day trip to Bait Reef Marine Park, a Barrier Reef site rich in tropical marine life, including turtles and manta rays, and with a range of terrain, such as coral gardens, underwater canyons, walls, and swim-throughs. Hours are from 9:30-5 daily except Tuesday and Saturday. Gear, lunch, snacks, drinks, and reef tax are included (A$169, plus A$120-A$150 for two dives). Also available are twice-weekly Whitsundays dive-snorkel day trips to three exceptional dive sites and Whitehaven Beach (A$175, plus A$80-A$110 for two dives, including buffet lunch, snacks, drinks, and gear), and guided three-hour snorkeling safaris on Reef Ryder to Whitehaven Beach and Chalkie's Beach (A$90, gear included). Hamiton Island Marina, Front St., next to general store, Hamilton Island, QLD, 4803. 07/4946-9888 Dive Shop; 07/4946-8305 Tour Bookings Desk. www.h2osportz.com.au.